Steelers leaning toward drafting Alabama’s Jalen Milroe isn’t a good sign for Aaron Rodgers

FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd heard that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be negotiating with Aaron Rodgers but are also preparing to draft ex-Alabama QB Jalen Milroe.

Steelers leaning toward drafting Alabama’s Jalen Milroe isn’t a good sign for Aaron Rodgers

Jalen Milroe and Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Just when Aaron Rodgers seemed set on becoming the next Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, NFL analyst Colin Cowherd threw a curveball. Cowherd revealed that the Steelers are slowly leaning toward drafting Jalen Milroe.

During the recent segment of The Herd on FOX, Cowherd revealed speaking with an NFL executive about the Steelers quarterback situation. The NFL exec dropped a shock.

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I’m told the Steelers really like Jalen Milroe. Twenty-first pick, first round. So if Aaron signs with Pittsburgh, it’s gonna become Kirk Cousins. They’re taking a quarterback. If the 21st pick, Milroe, is not taken, Pittsburgh is leaning now and taking him.

Colin Cowherd said

The quarterback scenario in Pittsburgh is switching gears every day it seems. With Rodgers in serious talks about becoming the next starter but keeping them in the loop, Milroe becomes a great alternative for the Steelers.

Milroe is an interesting prospect. Initially considered a top 10 candidate, his draft stock plummeted after failing to lead Bama to the college football playoffs. NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah said the main area Milroe needs to improve is his decision-making.

When you just go all-in on traits and some of the quarterbacking stuff isn’t there [in Jalen Milroe]. And you’re like, ‘Ok, that’s going to come.’ And sometimes it doesn’t. He’s a little bit of an enigma.

Daniel Jeremiah said about Jalen Milroe. (H/T: On3.com)

The 22-year-old still completed 64.3% of his passes for 2844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He further added 168 rushes with the ball for 726 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.

During Alabama’s pro day, the 6-foot-5 Milroe completed the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.37 seconds. The time places him between former Commanders’ quarterback Robert Griffin III‘s 4.41-second 40-yard dash during his pro day and Ravens Lamar Jackson, who finished the 40-yard dash in just 4.34 seconds.

Should Aaron Rodgers be worried about the Steelers leaning toward Jalen Milroe?

Rodgers visited the Steeler facility and met with head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. According to Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, Rodgers stayed in the facility for six hours, discussing various subjects but eventually left without a contract.

Steelers leaning toward drafting Alabama's Jalen Milroe isn't a good sign for Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Tomlin reportedly is the one who wants Rodgers as the next Steelers quarterback. However, there’s hardly any sign that the 41-year-old would get one considering he wants a two-year, $33 million per year deal.

The Steelers kept one eye on Rodgers and the other on the draft. For the longest time, Ole Miss graduate Jaxson Dart was the name linked with the franchise, but it faded away in the last few days—replaced by Jalen Milroe.

It’s possible that the Steelers sign Rodgers and draft a Milroe to make him learn under the 4x NFL MVP. Last season, the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a big-money deal but also took former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10. Even though it raised a lot of eyebrows, the Falcons’ move paid off after Cousins went 7-7 last year and Penix took over the remaining games.

Milroe definitely has a soft spot for the Steelers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that Milroe had dinner with Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, and quarterback coach Tom Arth before his pro day.

I just thought it was a great opportunity to build with the Steelers. I remember watching the AFC North and the battles that they have growing up. So now, to have the opportunity to be around Coach Tomlin, I don’t take it lightly at all.

Jalen Milroe said via ABC 33/40 reporter Chris McCulley

The Steelers have a great opportunity to draft a prospect like Milroe considering they are unsure about Rodgers’ situation. It’s entirely possible that the All-Pro shot-caller might hang up his cleats or wait until the season starts to see what the Minnesota Vikings are up to.

Related: Dak Prescott, who is the highest-paid player in NFL history, is the only NFC East QB without a conference championship appearance